While most of us celebrate the holidays with family, it’s also important to spare a thought for all those who are facing Christmas alone year after year.

Holidays are the worse time of year to be alone as there are constant reminders of family get-togethers and connecting with loved ones.

In 2017, 86-year-old Edwin Holmes faced a Christmas alone and a frozen ready meal for one – that was until he met store worker Ellie Walker.

The 22-year-old who works for the UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s and Edwin was a regular visitor to the store.

“He is without a shadow of a doubt my favorite customer,” Ellie told The Sun.

The retired decorator and painter lives in sheltered housing near the store in Leeds, England. His wife died more than five decades ago while his daughter and grandchildren live in Australia.

Ellie asked Edwin about his holiday plans and when she found out that he would be spending it alone she had to do something about it.

“He is the cutest man and so chatty. I thought if it was my granddad and he was alone I would want someone to talk to him.”

‘The dinner made me very happy’

So Ellie invited Edwin out for dinner at the supermarket’s restaurant and Edwin even dressed up in his best suit and brought her flowers.

The two shared Christmas dinner and there were even crackers, a popular festive tradition in the U.K.

After the date, he said: “The dinner made me very happy as it was unexpected and I had very pleasant company,” as per Metro News.

“As for the suit, it was my first date for about 55 years, and the flowers because I wasn’t going to go empty handed.”

Now the two have become good friends and regularly share a coffee together.

What a wonderful gesture. I hope this story inspires others to reach out and offer a listening ear or a few hours of their company to those that need it most.

We have no idea how much of a difference we can make in people’s lives if we just make an effort. Please share.